STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 January 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

THE QUEEN OF COMEDY. > BRILLIANT GRACIE FIELDS AT HER BEST. <7 ® Gracie Fields is not only the idol of 2 millions of screen patrons but to the British and French soldiers she is ’ something in the nature of a Joan of ' Arc, a lovable woman who is an in--5 spiration to the men at the front. } When just recovering from a severe ’ operation in which she had a desperate 3 struggle to pull through she found ’ time to stop in the pouring rain "somewhere in France” and sing to the British and French troops, an action ; which earned the gratitude of the men ! and added further to her popularity, if ; that were possible. The greatest idol ’ of all time with the soldiers and ex- ■ soldiers of Britain and France Gracie ■ Fields is worshipped for her praettieal ■ sympathy with the soldiers. In “Ship- ’ yard Sally,” which was greeted with a packed house at the State Theatre last ; night many of her songs were sung to the men in France, and have become very popular. The soldiers in France have adopted her as their “queen of the forces." "Shipyard Sally” is a picture which enraptured the audience, and is certainly the greatest triumph Gricie Fields has scored. The audience swayed to the singing of “I’ve got the Jitterbugs” as well as to the other tunes which sent the feet tapping—and Gracie Fields can put over a song better than anyone else on the screen. Starred with her is Sydney Howard, while prominent in the cast is the engaging young Oliver Wakefield, British comedian who recently won fame on the American radio with his “double-talk,” a verbal feat which soon was copied by a host of imitators. In “Shipyard Sally” Wakefield introduces a new conversational trick that promises to be as popular as his first and is even funnier, if such can be. You might call it "confused speech” for want of a better term but it is unforgettable. The play is set in the great shipbuilding centre of Great Britain —Clydebank. These are the yards where such great liners as the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were constructed. In fact, the film opens with Queen Elizabeth christening and launching the huge ship named after her. But soon, for reasons of economy, the government puts a halt to the building and with idle yard's distress visits the once prosperous town. The workers send Gracie to London with a petition and this embarks her on a series of adventures teeming with hilarity. No one should miss seeing this outstanding comedy, the greatest of all great Gracie Field’s pictures. The singing by Gracie Fields of “Land of Hope and Glory” brought a great thrill to the audience. Seldom has Masterton seen such a brilliant comedy with such an outstanding comedy actress in the leading role. There were “mountains of humour” in the picture and the audience rocked with laughter. The supporting features are of a high standard. The picture will be shown again tonight and the wise picture patron will reserve a seat.